Marisa Bostick has achieved a number of milestones during her time on the Etna Lions track and field team.Bostick, a senior, has earned Shasta Cascade League all-league honors the past three years. She has also been a member of three straight SCL title teams, as well as a member of two consecutive Northern Section Division 4 championship teams. This season she was named a team captain.Today, she and her fellow members of the girls 4x100 meter relay team are taking part in the Northern Section Championships at West Valley High School in Cottonwood, which is one step away from state.Next month, Bostick is heading to Sydney, Australia for an international track and field competition, the Down Under Sports Tournament."While Marisa Bostick's contributions to Etna Lions' track has been invaluable," head coach Les Hesley said. "Her greatest achievement is who Marisa has become as a person. Her participation in track and field has been a tremendous contributor towards that development."Below are Bostick's answers to the Siskiyou Sensation questions.High School: Etna High School.Parents: Catrina and Josh McGuire and Brian Bostick.Where I was born and raised: Born in Pomona and raised in Scott Valley since age 10.You are planning to compete in Australia at the Down Under Sports Tournament. How did you end up being invited to compete in Australia? I had never heard of this competition or organization before. I received an invitational letter and information packet. It was mailed directly to Etna High School.When does the event begin and how many days will it go on for? I will depart from Los Angeles onJune 30, and returnJuly 8. I will be training and competing in Sydney at the Sydney Olympic Arena.What events are you taking part in?I will be competing in the 4x100 meter relay, the 200 meter dash, the 100 meter dash, the 400 meter dash and the long jump.Can you tell me a bit about having the opportunity to compete against athletes from across the world?I never thought I would have the opportunity to experience such an amazing event. It really is an honor and competing internationally means a lot to me mainly because I'm going to get the opportunity to run with many new and different people. New competition to me means new personal records, more motivation and a completely new experience altogether. I look forward to meeting others who will push me to be better as well.What have you done to get ready to compete in Australia?I have devoted my time completely to running and training. I've dropped all other sports to focus just on improving my running. It has been tough not being able to compete in the other sports I love but I know it will be worth it. What do you like about taking part in track and field at Etna High?I enjoy the people, not only the ones on my team but also those we compete against. I especially enjoy the encouragement from my team and the push and drive I receive from my coach.Do you have a favorite event?My favorite event would have to be the 200 meter dash. It's a difficult all-out sprint but I get such a rush throughout the whole thing. It's the one I enjoy running the most and I look forward to it in every meet. What does it take to be successful in track and field?Self-discipline is number one. You learn it's worth it to get up and train whether you want to or not. Set goals and chase after them until they are achieved. And, most importantly, commitment. You have to be committed and willing to learn.I've heard you are doing a bake sale fundraiseron Saturdayfor your Australia trip. Can you give me some information on that? I will be having three bake sales. I am extremely close to having everything I need to go on this trip. All three will be in front of the Fort Jones Rays Food Place on Highway 3. (On Saturdaythe bake sale begins at8 a.m.) The bake sale also will take place on Saturday, June 1 and Thursday, June 13. If people are interested in donating to the trip how can they go about doing that?There is a bank account set up with Premier West Bank dedicated completely to this trip. It is under the name "Marisa Bostick Australia Fund." Donations will be accepted at the bake sales, and I can mail them in to Down Under Sports if they are sent to P.O. Box 1037 Fort Jones, CA, 96032.You are a member of the Etna High girl's 4x100 meter relay team that took first place in the NSCIF Division 4 Championships last Friday. What did it mean to you and your teammates to place first and earn a berth in the section championshipson Friday?I was extremely proud of my entire team. The girls relay really pulled it together and have run the best relay I've seen. They hung on and blew it away in the end. I love that I can always count on them to pull through.What are you and your teammate's expectations for sections at West Valley?I have high expectations as always as a team captain along with John Whelan and Ty Bradford. I'm expecting a very good outcome and I know my team will go out there and give it their all and that's all I can ask for.Why is sports an important part of your life?Sports are a healthy outlet. They are an important part of my life because they have given me something to look forward to and work at. It's something I can physically see the improvement in. (Sports) have also helped me stay motivated in school and do my very best.What meet do you look the most forward to competing in each year?That's a difficult question because every meet has something new to offer and every year that something is different. I'd have to say that my top two favorites would have to be the Dave Allen Twilight Tournament in Mount Shasta because of the difference in competition, weather and time altogether because it's at night. The second (is) the John Frank Invitational in Central Valley. I love the competition down there, the larger schools and the weather is always hot.Favorite sports team:Being that track and field is my favorite sport the Etna High Lions are my favorite track team. As for other sports, in basketball the Los Angeles Lakers, and in football the Oakland Raiders.Favorite subject or teacher at school:Science/PE, strength and conditioning. As for favorite teachers, I enjoy them all; we have great staff here at EHS.What do you like about living in Siskiyou County?The people are great and very kind. I love the beautiful places to explore. The fresh air is great for running and the culture is unique and it's been great adapting and learning this type of lifestyle.Who is your biggest hero, and why?My biggest hero is my mother, Catrina. She has been through so many things throughout her life and she has become an amazing, strong and loving person. I wouldn't be who I am today without her great guidance and care. She is always proud of me and doesn't hesitate to show it. I hope she knows I am very proud of her and who she has become as well. I love you mom.What are your future plans after graduating from Etna this year?After I return from traveling I will be attending Shasta College in Redding where I plan to continue running and major in animal science.Ten years from now I'll be:Where I am supposed to be. Enjoying life. I hope to be working with and helping animals and running. Definitely running.Anything else you would like to add?The biggest thank you is to my family. I appreciate all of you sticking through this with me, especially my mother. Mom, you have pushed me to be the best I possibly can, even when I didn't want to be pushed. Josh, thank you for treating me like one of the guys, I'm tougher because of it. You're the best. Thank you guys for keeping faith in me even when I felt like giving up. I love you more than you can imagine.Mr. Helsley, your wild stories, teasing, your commitment and never ending support has meant the world to me. I'm not sure what I'm going to do without you. I'll miss you so much. You've always been an inspiration, an amazing role model and a great friend. You better believe I'll be back to visit.And, finally, to my team. I could have never become the runner I am today without all of you. You're all amazing individuals and I am so very proud to call you my team. Keep it up Lions.